It seems that if you’re “serious” about your business, you will find a way to sink $1000, $2000, or even $5000 into Joe Guru’s program.

His program will work if you do.

And if you don’t have enough belief in yourself that you can make the investment back before the credit card bill is due, or in time to pay Uncle John back by next month . . . well that’s just another in a long line of faults you have.

One more indicator that you’re a lazy fraud, rather than the serious entrepreneur you claim to be.

Without fail, the program creator will have a sympathetic “me too” story for you when you confess to not being able to buy his program.

“I know what you’re saying. That was me too when I started out. I was living in my mom’s basement and had to borrow the $2000 to buy my first marketing course . . . (Or I had to spread the payment over three credit cards!) . . .”

So it’s up to you. You can “man up” and find the money . . . or continue to disappoint poor little Janie by not having the money to take her to Disney World again this year.

By the end of these presentations all the “have-nots” have convinced themselves that maybe robbing a bank is a viable plan for getting their hands on Joe Guru’s transformational program . . . .

I despise this “shame” tactic as a means for getting people into your program.

I’m sure it’s very effective ~ in the short term. But it’s also very judgmental.

And judging people, especially those you don’t know, is never a good thing.

Judging Others is Hurtful, Unproductive, and Ignorant

Of course it goes on every day, all day.

Recently, rapper 50 Cent accused a young airport worker of being high on drugs, and proceeded to rant about today’s youth and all their shortcomings.

Turns out the 19-year-old kid was not high, but rather suffers from a social anxiety disorder and autism.

Janet Jackson announces, two weeks shy of her 50th birthday, that she’s pregnant.

Social media blows up with opinions on why she shouldn’t become a new mom at the age of 50.

The guy’s young child witnesses the incident. And apparently he has a job, but it’s not enough to provide.

As I have more and more experiences in life, one of the main things I’m losing my tolerance for is people getting up in other people’s business.

And making judgements about them that are either flat out false, or clearly none of their business.

A Different Way of Judging People

Last week, my 15 year old dog died. (She’s 4 years old in this picture with my oldest daughter).

I was so sad. Pretty much operated in a fog for a couple of days. Some people probably didn’t like me much.

And I decided, that from that day on I was going to treat everyone I encountered like their dog just died.

I will cut everyone a break. I will assume any impolite behavior or screw up is because they are having their worst moment right now.

And I will not judge them negatively because I have never walked in their shoes, and have no idea whether those shoes are leading them through the depths of hell right now.

Seriously Walmart lady. Maybe you’ve had the exact same shoes as that man, even in the exact same size. But you’ve still never walked in his shoes.

When we judge people, we make hurtful mistakes (50 Cent).

We waste energy and time on stuff that is none of our business and has ZERO effect on our lives (Janet Jackson).

How bout spending that time on social media lifting someone up, or doing something that will actually benefit your business or your life?

What’s This Got to Do With the Allegedly “Serious Entrepreneur?”

As an entrepreneur, you likely tell people you’re in business to help them.

But when you judge their truthfulness or dedication when someone says they can’t afford you, you alienate people you might really be able to help if you took a moment to hear their story.

Shaming people into hitting up all their friends and family so they can give you $1000 is never a good idea, whether they’re a serious entrepreneur looking to build a business, or a serious overweight person looking to lose fat and build muscle.

Or whatever.

If they see the value of your program to their business/life, then let them decide to take drastic measures to come up with the money.

And for those who can’t pay right now, I bet you provide a mountain of free and/or low cost resources that can get them in a position where they can pay, or at least can keep you at the top of their mind when they have the money.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked with clients who say they can’t afford something to help them figure out a way to change some habits or rearrange some priorities that frees up some money.

But that’s after I know their story and can help them come to a decision.

It’s a way different approach than arrogantly asserting to the masses that if they can’t afford you it’s solely because they aren’t serious about their business, or their health, or adequately providing for their family . . .

I can relate to the serious (broke) entrepreneur.

Personally, I’m working harder on increasing the value of my free and low cost content more these days than I am on higher ticket programs.

Why? Because I’ve decided I don’t want to make money?

Not at all. (Quite the contrary!)

But because I’ve been there.

I’ve had zero options for finding the money for the $2K program.

And I was a serious entrepreneur. And I needed help.

So, I don’t want to forget where I came from.

There’s also a business strategy to it though.

Since I help people make more money in their business, it’s in my best interest to help get them in a position where they can afford my top level stuff.

Yes, admittedly, it’s not all about being kind-hearted for me. (And, it shouldn’t be. We all deserve to get paid for the value we give.)

I encourage you to take a look at how you can help people who need you, but can’t yet afford you.

Getting someone quick – even small – results works wonders to motivate her to find a way to afford your better program, product, or service.

Yes, some are just making excuses.

They will quickly eliminate themselves from your world, or you can gently send them packing.

Let’s just try this.

Join me in giving up judgment and putting all your energies into simply making the world better for as many people as you can each day.